| 73:1 |
Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. |
| 73:2 |
But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. |
| 73:3 |
For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. |
| 73:4 |
They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. |
| 73:5 |
They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. |
| 73:6 |
Therefore pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence. |
| 73:7 |
From their callous hearts comes iniquity; the evil conceits of their minds know no limits. |
| 73:8 |
They scoff, and speak with malice; in their arrogance they threaten oppression. |
| 73:9 |
Their mouths lay claim to heaven, and their tongues take possession of the earth. |
| 73:10 |
Therefore their people turn to them and drink up waters in abundance. |
| 73:11 |
They say, "How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?" |
| 73:12 |
This is what the wicked are like--always carefree, they increase in wealth. |
| 73:13 |
Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence. |
| 73:14 |
All day long I have been plagued; I have been punished every morning. |
| 73:15 |
If I had said, "I will speak thus," I would have betrayed your children. |
| 73:16 |
When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me |
| 73:17 |
till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. |
| 73:18 |
Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin. |
| 73:19 |
How suddenly are they destroyed, completely swept away by terrors! |
| 73:20 |
As a dream when one awakes, so when you arise, O Lord, you will despise them as fantasies. |
| 73:21 |
When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, |
| 73:22 |
I was senseless and ignorant; I was a brute beast before you. |
| 73:23 |
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. |
| 73:24 |
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. |
| 73:25 |
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. |
| 73:26 |
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. |
| 73:27 |
Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. |
| 73:28 |
But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. |
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